I recently had nearly the same situation, trying to combine an older ikelite setup with my new E-PM1: totally agree about the desire to not disrupt the ergonomics of the directly held housing. Here is my solution, I picked up a couple of batches of used sea arm vii parts and cobbled together this:
Only just got back the second strobe after service, so eager to try it with both arms, but I have so far been pleased as it allows me direct access to the shutter and gives me more strobe positioning options than the typical fixed grip tray. Here's a couple shots from an early test dive using the one ds-125 and the kit lens:
I had to mount the tray backwards, and then I drilled two additional holes in the tray and added Allen bolts through to the housing base for a rigid, double redundant connection. It's also nice that it folds up very compact for travel!
I had to mount the tray backwards, and then I drilled two additional holes in the tray and added Allen bolts through to the housing base for a rigid, double redundant connection. It's also nice that it folds up very compact for travel!
The only problem is that a direct grip may become more difficut to accomplish when two big strobes are attached to the small housing. Then it would be nice to have the handles available for extra support.
Al
Dear Bill
You certainly added some useful gadgets! thanks for the O ring advice, Ill give the 73X3mm ring a try first. Yeah, I think a removable second lever would be nice, but probably costly. Maybe something for a future Olympus housing? The vacuum leak is also an useful addition. I have one on my Ikelite which was easy to install, because you can screw it an unused function button. I noticed that your sentry needs a separate drill in the back of the housing. I guess you have described the costs on your website?
I tried the 73X3mm O-ring today. It definitely makes a difference. Its easier to mount the 4 inch Precision dome, and remove it later from the Oly housing than with the 74X3 mm O-ring. Highly recommended!
